Immediate Myofascial Responses to PFRT in Adolescent Endurance Runners: A Dorsal Chain Perspective

Background: This study examined the acute effects of post-run plantar fascia recovery training (PFRT) on dorsal kinetic chain performance (DKCP) in adolescent long-distance runners. Methods: Thirty-four adolescent runners were randomly assigned to a PFRT group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 17). Following a standardized running session, the PFRT group received bilateral PFRT. Assessments were performed on the dominant side at three time points: pre-training, post-training, and post-PFRT. DKCP was evaluated using the Bunkie Test for the posterior stabilization line (PSL) and posterior power line (PPL), Myoton measurements of the latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius, the Sit-and-Reach Test for hamstring/lumbar flexibility, and the Modified Schober Test for lumbar mobility. Results: No significant group × time interactions were observed for any outcome except lumbar mobility. PSL performance increased significantly following PFRT compared with post-training (p = 0.016), whereas PPL performance did not change. Lumbar mobility improved significantly over time (p < 0.05). Although latissimus dorsi stiffness and hamstring and gastrocnemius stiffness were lower in the PFRT group at baseline, no significant within-group changes were observed following PFRT. Conclusions: PFRT may acutely improve lumbar mobility as a recovery intervention in adolescent runners. Further research is needed to clarify its short- and long-term effects within structured recovery programs during adolescence.